Studying for nine years to become a chiropractor is no easy feat. Doing it in Auckland, with big-city costs and long commutes, is an even more stressful experience – something Joyce Sutton-Davis knows only too well. These days, though, life looks very different. Joyce and her husband, Ben, now run their own business, Omega Chiropractic in Manawatū, and the commute is a glorious 20 metres from their home to the clinic they built right next door. Moving to this beautiful region and setting up their own practice has delivered a lifestyle they once only dreamed of, in a part of New Zealand that couldn’t be more perfect for raising a family. With 196 parks and reserves, more than 200 cafés and restaurants, 65 kilometres of riverside trails and over 100 kilometres of biking and walking tracks, it’s truly a piece of paradise.
Ben, who manages the clinic’s accounts, staffing and hiring, loves the flexibility their setup offers. “I get to be a full-time dad while contributing to our business. Living next door means I can handle the work side of things while spending quality time with the kids.” Joyce agrees. “We could never have done this in a bigger city. We discovered that healthcare businesses can be set up within residential zones here, which was a game-changer for us when we started out.”
And they’re not a two person band. The clinic has a team of three doctors and six additional staff members, and has even attracted international talent. “One of our doctors relocated from Alaska,” says Joyce. “She’s been amazed by how welcoming and laid-back everyone is here. We have access to world-class facilities and specialist services, including oncology, chemotherapy, a dedicated ICU, coronary care, radiology, cardiology and medical imaging. The region is a great hub for healthcare professionals.”
While the couple obviously have an extraordinarily short commute, it wouldn’t actually be much longer if they were working in town. The average trip to work here is just 15 minutes, with no major parking issues. Removing long periods of time in the car from the equation makes it easier for families to enjoy more time together, whether that means exploring local parks, attending community events or simply being present for their children.
And this spirit of connection extends well beyond nuclear family units. Ben and Joyce value the strong sense of community that comes with living in a smaller town, and love that they are able to use their business to give back by supporting local sports teams and participating in the Christmas Box programme, an initiative that provides food parcels to families in need during the holiday season. Giving back is a core part of their values, and they love being part of a region that embraces community spirit and collaboration.
Manawatū is a truly diverse region, with more than 150 cultures represented and 126 languages spoken, something Ben and Joyce love. Their practice is built on a strong, family-oriented approach, ensuring patients of all ages, races, and backgrounds feel welcome and supported. Whether they are treating young athletes, busy parents or seniors, their goal is to help everyone who walks through their doors achieve their best health. They love hearing about the variety of ways patients enjoy their downtime. Playgrounds and splash pads, epic bush, rivers, lagoons and beaches, lush green golf courses, world-class stadiums, theatres, art galleries, museums and interesting shops are all part of the appeal here. “This region offers so much,” says Joyce. “For us, it’s been the perfect place to live, raise a family and run a business. Palmerston North and the greater Manawatū area have everything we need and more.”
Manawatū is the kind of place that bends to fit your lifestyle, not the other way around. Whether you are chasing opportunity, craving more space or ready to slow things down, life here just works. Commute times are short, leaving more room for the things that matter: mountain biking, walking the dog, taking the kids to school or catching up for a drink after work. No rat race, no drama, just the freedom to build the life you actually want.
Work, play, unwind and still be home in time for dinner.